13th April, 2001
Dear Boyd,
Please be assured you have my support in the formation of such a new pilots' representative group.
It will save the parliament considerable time and effort if it was confident it had the endorsement to legislative changes by the most important group in aviation; pilots.
We all desire to continue Australia's good record in air safety. If AOPA is not the best pilot consultative body because they feel compromised by not wanting to argue with CASA for whatever reason, then I hope that your new organisation can quickly establish credibility. I will do all I can to assist you in that.
Kind Regards,
John Forrest, MP
Federal Member for Mallee
He was speaking about the fact that, in the 7 previous days, the Senate had received more than 1,000 faxes from Australian pilots appointing Boyd Munro to represent their interests in respect of the Bill under consideration. Click here for Senator Greig's home page.
Senator GREIG —Having come from a community activist background, I admire your success in having achieved a mandate from so many people who clearly entrust you to be their voice and their advocate. Why is it, do you think that the Australian sociopolitical dynamic has created the situation where commendable people such as you present themselves to speak on behalf of pilots? Is there no kind of formally organised voice for the flying community, and that is why you have stepped into the vacuum?
Mr Munro —It is clear that there is a communication bridge needed between Australia's pilots and the legislature. It is absolutely clear that there is no effective means of communication at the moment.
Senator GREIG —What would you see as the best way to resolve it?
Mr Munro —I do not know.
Senator GREIG —You must have given it some thought.
Mr Munro —I have given it a good deal of thought, Senator, in recent days but the thinking has not led me to a solution.
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